• Pandit et al. (2016)

  Shilajit · Purified extract

  Total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS increased significantly versus placebo (P<0.05), while LH and FSH remained within the normal range.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • Men aged 45-55
  • 250 mg twice daily
  • 90 days

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy men aged 45-55 tested purified Shilajit at 250 mg twice daily for 90 days. Total testosterone, free testosterone and DHEAS increased significantly versus placebo (P<0.05), while LH and FSH remained within the normal range.

  View study: Pandit et al. (2016), opens in a new tab

  Andrologia 2016;48(5):570-5

• Keller et al. (2019)

  Shilajit · Branded extract (PrimaVie®)

  At 500 mg/d, participants retained more maximal strength after a fatigue protocol (MVIC decline 8.9% vs 16.0% placebo, p=0.044) and had lower baseline serum hydroxyproline (1.5 vs 2.4 ug/mL, p=0.024).

  • RCT, 3 arms
  • n=63
  • 250 or 500 mg/d
  • 8 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, placebo-controlled, three-arm trial in 63 recreationally active men (21 per arm) compared PrimaVie Shilajit at 250 mg/d or 500 mg/d for 8 weeks. At 500 mg/d, participants retained more maximal strength after a fatigue protocol (MVIC decline 8.9% vs 16.0% placebo, p=0.044) and had lower baseline serum hydroxyproline (1.5 vs 2.4 ug/mL, p=0.024). Both results were reported in the upper-50th-percentile subgroup.

  View study: Keller et al. (2019), opens in a new tab

  J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2019;16:3

• Das et al. (2016)

  Shilajit · Purified extract

  Seventeen extracellular-matrix genes were upregulated in muscle, including collagen, elastin, fibronectin and decorin.

  • Open-label, single-arm
  • 250 mg twice daily
  • 8 + 4 weeks
  • 17 ECM genes

  Full summary

  An open-label, single-arm clinical study with muscle biopsies (NCT02026414) in overweight and class I obese adults used purified, standardized Shilajit at 250 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by 4 further weeks combined with exercise. Seventeen extracellular-matrix genes were upregulated in muscle, including collagen, elastin, fibronectin and decorin. The supplement was well tolerated; glucose, lipids, CK and myoglobin remained stable.

  View study: Das et al. (2016), opens in a new tab

  J Med Food 2016;19(7):701-9

• Biswas et al. (2010)

  Shilajit · Processed extract

  Total sperm count rose 61.4%, motility 12.4-17.4% and serum testosterone 23.5% (P<0.001), while semen MDA fell 18.7%.

  • Open-label, before-and-after
  • n=35 (28 completed)
  • 100 mg twice daily
  • 90 days

  Full summary

  An open-label, before-and-after study enrolled 35 oligospermic men (28 completed) on processed Shilajit at 100 mg twice daily for 90 days. Total sperm count rose 61.4%, motility 12.4-17.4% and serum testosterone 23.5% (P<0.001), while semen MDA fell 18.7%. Liver and kidney markers remained stable.

  View study: Biswas et al. (2010), opens in a new tab

  Andrologia 2010;42(1):48-56

• Stohs (2014)

  Shilajit · Supporting research (review)

  A narrative review concluded that animal and human data support the safety of Shilajit, with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, spermatogenic and anti-fatigue effects attributed to fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones.

  • Narrative review
  • Safety overview

  Full summary

  A narrative review concluded that animal and human data support the safety of Shilajit, with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, spermatogenic and anti-fatigue effects attributed to fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones.

  View study: Stohs (2014), opens in a new tab

  Phytother Res 2014;28(4):475-9

• Ho et al. (2014)

  A2 milk · Supporting research (A2 milk study)

  A1 milk produced significantly higher Bristol stool values, and abdominal pain correlated with stool consistency on A1 (r=0.52, P=0.001) but not on A2.

  • Crossover RCT (pilot)
  • n=41
  • 750 mL/day milk
  • 8 weeks total

  Full summary

  A double-blind, randomized crossover pilot in 41 adults compared 750 mL/day of A1 versus A2 milk for 2 weeks each, with 2-week washouts (8 weeks total). A1 milk produced significantly higher Bristol stool values, and abdominal pain correlated with stool consistency on A1 (r=0.52, P=0.001) but not on A2.

  View study: Ho et al. (2014), opens in a new tab

  Eur J Clin Nutr 2014;68(9):994-1000

• Jianqin et al. (2016)

  A2 milk · Supporting research (A2 milk study)

  A1+A2 milk was associated with more post-dairy digestive discomfort, higher inflammatory markers and BCM-7, longer GI transit, lower SCFA, and slower, less accurate cognitive test results.

  • Crossover RCT
  • n=45
  • A2 vs A1+A2 milk
  • 14 days per arm

  Full summary

  A double-blind, randomized 2x2 crossover trial (NCT02406469) in 45 Han Chinese adults with self-reported milk intolerance compared A2-only milk with A1+A2 milk for 14 days each, with 14-day washouts. A1+A2 milk was associated with more post-dairy digestive discomfort, higher inflammatory markers and BCM-7, longer GI transit, lower SCFA, and slower, less accurate cognitive test results. Symptoms with A2-only milk remained comparable to baseline.

  View study: Jianqin et al. (2016), opens in a new tab

  Nutr J 2016;15:35

• Pal et al. (2015)

  A2 sourcing · Supporting research (review)

  A review reports that A1 (not A2) beta-casein releases BCM-7, which acts on mu-opioid receptors in the gut, and that rodent and human data link A1 to milk intolerance. This supports the A2 sourcing of desi cattle.

  • Review
  • A2 sourcing

  Full summary

  A review reports that A1 (not A2) beta-casein releases BCM-7, which acts on mu-opioid receptors in the gut, and that rodent and human data link A1 to milk intolerance. It also states that purebred Asian and African cattle produce A2. This supports the A2 sourcing of desi cattle.

  View study: Pal et al. (2015), opens in a new tab

  Nutrients 2015;7(9):7285-97

• Gupta & Prakash (1997)

  Ghee · Observational

  Higher ghee intake was associated with lower CHD prevalence (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.18-0.30, p<0.001); hypertension and other risk factors were similar between groups.

  • Cross-sectional
  • n=1,982
  • ≥1 kg ghee/month

  Full summary

  A community cross-sectional survey in rural Rajasthan of 1,982 men aged 20 and over compared those eating at least 1 kg ghee/month (n=782) with those eating less (n=1,200). Higher ghee intake was associated with lower CHD prevalence (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.18-0.30, p<0.001); hypertension and other risk factors were similar between groups.

  View study: Gupta & Prakash (1997), opens in a new tab

  J Indian Med Assoc 1997;95(3):67-9, 83

• Sharma et al. (2010)

  Ghee · Animal data + review

  An animal study in Fischer rats with a literature review found that serum total cholesterol and liver microsomal lipid peroxidation remained unchanged with 10% dietary ghee for 4 weeks.

  • Animal + review
  • 10% dietary ghee
  • 4 weeks

  Full summary

  An animal study in Fischer rats with a literature review found that serum total cholesterol and liver microsomal lipid peroxidation remained unchanged with 10% dietary ghee for 4 weeks, while triglycerides increased. The review finds no evidence of harm from moderate ghee intake in the literature.

  View study: Sharma et al. (2010), opens in a new tab

  Ayu 2010;31(2):134-40

• Gupta et al. (2024)

  Fenugreek · Branded extract (Fenfuro®) · Close standardization

  In the treatment group, fasting and postprandial glucose fell by 38% and 44% and HbA1c by about 34.7%; C-peptide, TSH, liver, kidney and cardiovascular markers stayed normal and no adverse events were reported.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=81
  • >45% furostanolic saponins
  • 1,000 mg/day
  • 12 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with type 2 diabetes already taking metformin or metformin with a sulfonylurea (42 analyzed on treatment, 39 on placebo) tested Fenfuro® fenugreek seed extract containing >45% furostanolic saponins by HPLC at 1,000 mg/day (500 mg × 2) for 12 weeks. In the treatment group, fasting and postprandial glucose fell by 38% and 44% and HbA1c by about 34.7%; C-peptide, TSH, liver, kidney and cardiovascular markers stayed normal and no adverse events were reported.

  View study: Gupta et al. (2024), opens in a new tab

  Food Nutr Res 2024;68:10667

• Kim et al. (2023)

  Fenugreek · Botanical-level meta-analysis

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (706 participants) found that fenugreek significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, 2-hour post-load glucose and HbA1c.

  • Meta-analysis
  • 10 RCTs
  • 706 participants

  Full summary

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (706 participants) found that fenugreek significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, 2-hour post-load glucose and HbA1c, while HOMA-IR was unchanged. It also improved total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C, while LDL-C and BMI were unchanged. No liver or kidney toxicity or severe adverse events were reported; some studies noted mild gastrointestinal effects.

  View study: Kim et al. (2023), opens in a new tab

  Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(18):13999

• Rao et al. (2016)

  Fenugreek · Branded extract (Testofen®)

  Aging Male Symptom scores fell versus placebo, sexual function improved, and total and free serum testosterone increased compared with placebo.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=120
  • 600 mg/day
  • 12 weeks

  Full summary

  A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 120 healthy men aged 43-70 tested a standardized fenugreek seed extract (Testofen®) at 600 mg/day for 12 weeks. Aging Male Symptom scores fell versus placebo, sexual function improved, and total and free serum testosterone increased compared with placebo.

  View study: Rao et al. (2016), opens in a new tab

  Aging Male 2016;19(2):134-42

• Yang et al. (2026)

  Fenugreek · Botanical-level meta-analysis

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials in adult men (13 studies) found a small favorable association with total testosterone (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.02-0.48) but no stable effect on free testosterone. The authors rated the certainty of evidence as very low.

  • Meta-analysis
  • 13 studies
  • SMD 0.25
  • Very low certainty

  Full summary

  A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials in adult men (13 studies) found a small favorable association with total testosterone (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.02-0.48) but no stable effect on free testosterone. No included study was judged at low risk of bias, and the authors rated the certainty of evidence as very low, concluding that current evidence does not support testosterone-boosting claims.

  View study: Yang et al. (2026), opens in a new tab

  Front Nutr 2026;13:1903508

• Mishra et al. (2026) · ARova5X

  Shatavari 5% extract · Exact match (standardization and daily dose)

  Versus placebo, the extract improved sexual-function domains including desire, arousal and satisfaction; vaginal lubrication improved by 84.11% in the extract group versus 13.08% on placebo, and oxidative-stress markers and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue and irritability also improved.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=214
  • 5% shatavarins
  • 250 mg/day
  • 90 days

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 214 postmenopausal women (107 per group) tested a hydroalcoholic Shatavari root extract standardized to 5% shatavarins at 250 mg/day for 90 days. Versus placebo, the extract improved sexual-function domains including desire, arousal and satisfaction; vaginal lubrication improved by 84.11% in the extract group versus 13.08% on placebo, and oxidative-stress markers and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue and irritability also improved. The authors report no affiliation with the extract's maker.

  View study: Mishra et al. (2026) · ARova5X, opens in a new tab

  Avicenna J Phytomed 2026;16(5):860-872

• Gudise et al. (2024) · Aspurūs™

  Shatavari 5% extract · Exact standardization (500 mg/day)

  Compared with placebo, the extract reduced hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, vaginal dryness and loss of libido, and improved Utian quality-of-life scores, with no significant adverse events.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=70
  • 5% total Shatavarins
  • 500 mg/day
  • 60 days

  Full summary

  A double-blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 70 women aged 40-65 with menopausal symptoms used a Shatavari root extract standardized to 5% total Shatavarins (HPTLC) at 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day) for 60 days. Compared with placebo, the extract reduced hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, vaginal dryness and loss of libido, and improved Utian quality-of-life scores, with no significant adverse events.

  View study: Gudise et al. (2024) · Aspurūs™, opens in a new tab

  Cureus 2024;16(4):e57879

• Mahajan et al. (2025) · SRI-81

  Shatavari · Related extract (>10% total Shatavarins)

  The extract significantly improved Menopause Rating Scale domains, perceived stress and hot flashes versus placebo; estradiol, FSH and T3 levels rose, and no adverse effects on liver or kidney function were observed.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=80
  • >10% Shatavarins
  • 300 mg/day
  • 8 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 perimenopausal women (73 per-protocol) tested 300 mg/day of SRI-81 Shatavari root extract, standardized to >10% total Shatavarins, for 8 weeks. The extract significantly improved Menopause Rating Scale domains, perceived stress and hot flashes versus placebo; estradiol, FSH and T3 levels rose, and no adverse effects on liver or kidney function were observed.

  View study: Mahajan et al. (2025) · SRI-81, opens in a new tab

  Int J Womens Health 2025;17:4057-4073

• Mhatre et al. (2026) · SRI-81

  Shatavari · Related extract (>10% total Shatavarins)

  Versus placebo, it reduced perceived stress and follicular count and increased endometrial thickness, and no serious adverse events occurred.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=70
  • >10% Shatavarins
  • 300 mg/day
  • 12 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 70 women aged 20-40 with PCOS (66 completed) tested 300 mg/day of SRI-81 Shatavari root extract for 12 weeks. Versus placebo, it reduced perceived stress and follicular count and increased endometrial thickness; ovarian volume, BMI, hormone levels and other laboratory values were similar between groups, and no serious adverse events occurred.

  View study: Mhatre et al. (2026) · SRI-81, opens in a new tab

  Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2026;17:1769773

• Chattopadhyay et al. (2026) · SheVari4®

  Shatavari · Branded extract (Shatavarin IV-focused)

  Menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) improved by 42.8% versus placebo across vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains; estradiol rose 36.44% while FSH fell 38.18% and cortisol 26.87%.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=60
  • 100 mg/day
  • 8 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women tested 100 mg/day of the proprietary Shatavari root extract SheVari4® for 8 weeks. Menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) improved by 42.8% versus placebo across vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains; estradiol rose 36.44% while FSH fell 38.18% and cortisol 26.87%.

  View study: Chattopadhyay et al. (2026) · SheVari4®, opens in a new tab

  Food Nutr Res 2026;70:14275

• Swaroop & Swaroop (2026) · SheVari4®

  Shatavari · Branded extract (Shatavarin IV-focused)

  In the SheVari4® group, Menopause Rating Scale scores fell 43% by week 4 and 71% by week 8, a significant difference from placebo (p<0.001), with adverse events mild and comparable between groups.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=60
  • 100 mg/day
  • 8 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 healthy women aged 40-55 tested 100 mg/day of SheVari4® Shatavari root extract. In the SheVari4® group, Menopause Rating Scale scores fell 43% by week 4 and 71% by week 8, a significant difference from placebo (p<0.001), with adverse events mild and comparable between groups.

  View study: Swaroop & Swaroop (2026) · SheVari4®, opens in a new tab

  Cureus 2026;18(4):e106987

• Eraiah et al. (2024) · B-Lit

  Brahmi · Close match (30% bacosides)

  Versus placebo, the extract improved several memory measures (verbal and spatial short-term, working and episodic memory) and cognitive skills such as concentration, alertness, reasoning and mental flexibility; anxiety and sleep quality also improved, serum cortisol fell and BDNF rose.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=80
  • 30% bacosides
  • 300 mg/day
  • 84 days

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 healthy adults (74 completed) tested 300 mg/day of a Bacopa extract standardized to 30% total bacosides (90 mg bacosides) for 84 days. Versus placebo, the extract improved several memory measures (verbal and spatial short-term, working and episodic memory) and cognitive skills such as concentration, alertness, reasoning and mental flexibility; anxiety and sleep quality also improved, serum cortisol fell and BDNF rose. Sustained attention and planning were unchanged.

  View study: Eraiah et al. (2024) · B-Lit, opens in a new tab

  J Psychiatry Cogn Behav 2024;8:168

• Calabrese et al. (2008)

  Brahmi · Higher standardization (≥50% bacosides)

  Versus placebo, Bacopa improved delayed word recall and Stroop performance, and depression and anxiety scores and heart rate fell.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=54
  • ≥50% bacosides
  • 300 mg/day
  • 12 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 54 adults aged 65 and over without dementia (48 completed) tested 300 mg/day of a Bacopa extract standardized to at least 50% bacosides A and B for 12 weeks. Versus placebo, Bacopa improved delayed word recall and Stroop performance, and depression and anxiety scores and heart rate fell; attention-task, working-memory, mood and blood-pressure measures were unchanged. The extract was well tolerated, with mainly mild stomach upset.

  View study: Calabrese et al. (2008), opens in a new tab

  J Altern Complement Med 2008;14(6):707-13

• Stough et al. (2008) · KeenMind® (CDRI 08)

  Brahmi · Higher standardization (≥55% bacosides)

  The Bacopa group improved on the working-memory factor, specifically spatial working-memory accuracy, and made fewer false-positive errors on a rapid visual information-processing task.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=107
  • ≥55% bacosides
  • 300 mg/day
  • 90 days

  Full summary

  A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial recruited 107 healthy adults (62 completed) and gave 2 × 150 mg/day of KeenMind® (CDRI 08), an extract standardized to not less than 55% bacosides, for 90 days. The Bacopa group improved on the working-memory factor, specifically spatial working-memory accuracy, and made fewer false-positive errors on a rapid visual information-processing task.

  View study: Stough et al. (2008) · KeenMind® (CDRI 08), opens in a new tab

  Phytother Res 2008;22(12):1629-34

• Kongkeaw et al. (2014)

  Brahmi · Meta-analysis (standardized extracts)

  Pooled data from 437 participants showed faster Trail B performance (-17.9 ms) and shorter choice reaction time (10.6 ms), suggesting Bacopa may improve cognition, particularly speed of attention.

  • Meta-analysis
  • 9 RCTs
  • 518 participants

  Full summary

  A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of standardized Bacopa extracts taken for at least 12 weeks included 9 studies with 518 participants. Pooled data from 437 participants showed faster Trail B performance (-17.9 ms) and shorter choice reaction time (10.6 ms), suggesting Bacopa may improve cognition, particularly speed of attention.

  View study: Kongkeaw et al. (2014), opens in a new tab

  J Ethnopharmacol 2014;151(1):528-35

• Pase et al. (2012)

  Brahmi · Systematic review

  A systematic review of 6 randomized controlled trials, all lasting 12 weeks and using three different Bacopa extracts at 300-450 mg/day, found that Bacopa improved 9 of 17 memory free-recall tests.

  • Systematic review
  • 6 RCTs
  • 300-450 mg/day

  View study: Pase et al. (2012), opens in a new tab

  J Altern Complement Med 2012;18(7):647-52

The 24% flavone glycosides / 6% terpene lactones standardization is a widely studied profile in clinical literature.

• Dodge et al. (2008)

  Ginkgo · Exact standardization (24/6)

  A secondary analysis adjusted for adherence showed lower risk of progression to mild impairment (HR 0.33, p=0.02).

  • RCT pilot, double-blind
  • n=118
  • 24% / 6%
  • 240 mg/day
  • 42 months

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 42-month pilot trial in 118 cognitively intact adults aged 85 and older tested 240 mg/day of a Ginkgo extract independently verified to contain at least 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. The main intention-to-treat analysis reported p=0.06 for progression to mild impairment and p=0.05 for memory decline. A secondary analysis adjusted for adherence showed lower risk of progression to mild impairment (HR 0.33, p=0.02). Ischemic strokes and TIAs were recorded more often in the Ginkgo group (p=0.01).

  View study: Dodge et al. (2008), opens in a new tab

  Neurology 2008;70(19 Pt 2):1809-17

• DeKosky et al. (2008) · GEM Study

  Ginkgo · Long-term prevention trial

  The trial reported hazard ratios of 1.12 (P=.21) for all-cause dementia and 1.16 (P=.11) for Alzheimer disease, and adverse-effect profiles were similar to placebo.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=3,069
  • 240 mg/day
  • 6.1 years median

  Full summary

  The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 3,069 adults aged 75 and over with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment for a median of 6.1 years on 120 mg of Ginkgo extract twice daily. The trial reported hazard ratios of 1.12 (P=.21) for all-cause dementia and 1.16 (P=.11) for Alzheimer disease, and adverse-effect profiles were similar to placebo.

  View study: DeKosky et al. (2008) · GEM Study, opens in a new tab

  JAMA 2008;300(19):2253-62

• Herrschaft et al. (2012) · EGb 761®

  Ginkgo · Branded extract, dementia patients

  Cognition (SKT) improved by 2.2 points versus 0.3 on placebo and neuropsychiatric scores (NPI) by 4.6 versus 2.1 (both p<0.001).

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=410
  • 240 mg/day
  • 24 weeks

  Full summary

  A multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 24-week trial in 410 outpatients with mild-to-moderate dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms tested the branded extract EGb 761® at 240 mg once daily. Cognition (SKT) improved by 2.2 points versus 0.3 on placebo and neuropsychiatric scores (NPI) by 4.6 versus 2.1 (both p<0.001).

  View study: Herrschaft et al. (2012) · EGb 761®, opens in a new tab

  J Psychiatr Res 2012;46(6):716-23

• Demarin et al. (2017) · EGb 761®

  Ginkgo · Branded extract (24% / 6%), vascular cognitive impairment

  Ginkgo improved the Clinical Global Impression score versus placebo (P=0.038), and adverse reactions were less common than on placebo.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=90
  • 24% / 6%
  • 60-120 mg/day
  • 6 months

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 90 patients with vascular cognitive impairment compared 120 mg/day or 60 mg/day of EGb 761® (24% flavonol glycosides, 6% terpenes) with placebo for 6 months. Ginkgo improved the Clinical Global Impression score versus placebo (P=0.038), and adverse reactions were less common than on placebo.

  View study: Demarin et al. (2017) · EGb 761®, opens in a new tab

  Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017;13:483-490

• Antony et al. (2008) · BCM-95®

  BCM-95® · Exact branded ingredient (pharmacokinetics)

  The relative bioavailability of BCM-95® was about 6.93-fold that of normal curcumin and about 6.3-fold that of the curcumin-lecithin-piperine formula.

  • Crossover PK study
  • ~6.93× vs normal curcumin

  Full summary

  A pilot crossover study in human volunteers, with a two-week washout, compared blood curcumin after BCM-95®CG (Biocurcumax) with normal curcumin and with a curcumin-lecithin-piperine formula. The relative bioavailability of BCM-95® was about 6.93-fold that of normal curcumin and about 6.3-fold that of the curcumin-lecithin-piperine formula.

  View study: Antony et al. (2008) · BCM-95®, opens in a new tab

  Indian J Pharm Sci 2008;70(4):445-9

• Singhal et al. (2021) · BCM-95®

  BCM-95® · Exact branded ingredient

  WOMAC scores were equivalent between groups; with BCM-95®, WOMAC pain improved 32.09% and total score 23.59%, and CRP and TNF-α fell 37.21% and 74.81%.

  • RCT vs paracetamol
  • n=144 completed
  • 1,000 mg/day
  • 6 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, non-inferiority trial in knee osteoarthritis compared BCM-95® 500 mg twice daily with paracetamol 650 mg three times daily for 6 weeks (71 and 73 patients completed). WOMAC scores were equivalent between groups; with BCM-95®, WOMAC pain improved 32.09% and total score 23.59%, and CRP and TNF-α fell 37.21% and 74.81%. Adverse events were mild and less frequent than with paracetamol (5.48% vs 12.68%).

  View study: Singhal et al. (2021) · BCM-95®, opens in a new tab

  Trials 2021;22(1):105

• Shep et al. (2019) · BCM-95®

  BCM-95® · Exact branded ingredient

  Pain and KOOS scores improved similarly in both groups, while adverse effects were less common with curcumin (13% vs 38%) and no curcumin patients needed H2 blockers, versus 28% on diclofenac.

  • RCT vs diclofenac, open-label
  • n=139
  • 1,500 mg/day
  • 28 days

  Full summary

  A randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial in 139 patients with knee osteoarthritis compared BCM-95® 500 mg three times daily with diclofenac 50 mg twice daily for 28 days. Pain and KOOS scores improved similarly in both groups, while adverse effects were less common with curcumin (13% vs 38%) and no curcumin patients needed H2 blockers, versus 28% on diclofenac.

  View study: Shep et al. (2019) · BCM-95®, opens in a new tab

  Trials 2019;20(1):214

This product uses a standard 95% curcuminoid extract, which serves as the reference baseline in comparative bioavailability studies.

• Fança-Berthon et al. (2021)

  95% extract · Comparator (pharmacokinetics)

  After dose normalization, total-curcuminoid exposure for the standard extract was 3.7 ng·h/mL/mg, versus 136 for a micellar preparation and 72.9 for a dried colloidal suspension.

  • Crossover PK study
  • n=30
  • Standard extract
  • 1,500 mg single dose

  Full summary

  A randomized, open-label crossover study in 30 healthy adults aged 18-45 compared a single 1,500 mg dose of standard turmeric extract with four other turmeric formulations. After dose normalization, total-curcuminoid exposure for the standard extract was 3.7 ng·h/mL/mg, versus 136 for a micellar preparation and 72.9 for a dried colloidal suspension. The piperine-curcuminoid combination performed similarly to the standard extract.

  View study: Fança-Berthon et al. (2021), opens in a new tab

  J Nutr 2021;151(7):1802-16

• Stohs et al. (2018)

  95% extract · Comparator (pharmacokinetics)

  Free curcumin peaked at 0.3 ng/mL with the 95% powder versus 2 ng/mL with the micellar product, whose absorbed curcumin per mg was 522 times higher.

  • Crossover PK study
  • n=12
  • 95% curcumin
  • 400 mg dose

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind crossover study in 12 healthy adults gave an equivalent 400 mg dose of unformulated 95% curcumin powder (323 mg curcumin) or a novel micromicellar formulation. Free curcumin peaked at 0.3 ng/mL with the 95% powder versus 2 ng/mL with the micellar product, whose absorbed curcumin per mg was 522 times higher.

  View study: Stohs et al. (2018), opens in a new tab

  J Am Coll Nutr 2018;37(1):51-59

• Panahi et al. (2014)

  Curcuminoids + piperine · Branded extract (C3 Complex®)

  Curcuminoids lowered LDL-C, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(a) and raised HDL-C more than placebo.

  • RCT
  • n=100
  • 1,000 mg/day + piperine
  • 8 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized controlled trial in 100 patients with metabolic syndrome receiving standard care added 1,000 mg/day of curcuminoids (C3 Complex®) with piperine (100:1) or placebo for 8 weeks. Curcuminoids lowered LDL-C, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(a) and raised HDL-C more than placebo.

  View study: Panahi et al. (2014), opens in a new tab

  Complement Ther Med 2014;22(5):851-7

• Shoba et al. (1998)

  Black pepper · Pharmacokinetics

  In healthy volunteers, 2 g of curcumin alone gave undetectable or very low serum levels, while adding 20 mg of piperine increased curcumin bioavailability by 2000%.

  • Human PK
  • 2 g curcumin + 20 mg piperine
  • +2000% (study conditions)
  • 10 mg extract per serving

  View study: Shoba et al. (1998), opens in a new tab

  Planta Med 1998;64(4):353-6

• Kroon et al. (2025)

  Black pepper · Independent pharmacokinetic study

  An independent comparison of three curcumin formulations recommends that bioavailability claims be based on unconjugated curcumin.

  • Crossover PK study
  • n=9
  • 3 formulations

  Full summary

  An independent crossover study in 9 healthy men tested three curcumin formulations, including a high dose with and without piperine. Plasma unconjugated curcumin stayed below 2 nM in most cases, with similar results with and without piperine. The authors conclude that bioavailability claims should be based on unconjugated curcumin.

  View study: Kroon et al. (2025), opens in a new tab

  iScience 2025;28(6):112575

• Mishra & Kumar (2024)

  Shoden® · Exact extract (root and leaf)

  Anxiety (HAMA) fell 59% with both doses versus a 0.83% rise on placebo, morning cortisol fell 66-67% and perceived stress 53-62%.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=60
  • 60-120 mg/day
  • 60 days

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 physically healthy adults with high stress and anxiety (HAMA >20, raised morning cortisol) compared Shoden® at 60 mg/day or 120 mg/day with placebo for 60 days. Anxiety (HAMA) fell 59% with both doses versus a 0.83% rise on placebo, morning cortisol fell 66-67% and perceived stress 53-62%. In men, testosterone rose 22% and 33% versus 4% on placebo.

  View study: Mishra & Kumar (2024), opens in a new tab

  Heliyon 2024;10(17):e36885

• Lopresti et al. (2019)

  Shoden® · Exact extract

  Anxiety (HAM-A) fell 41% versus 24% on placebo, a significant difference (P=.040), and morning cortisol (P<.001) and DHEA-S (P=.004) fell more than with placebo; the DASS-21 change was near-significant (P=.096).

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=60
  • 240 mg/day
  • 60 days
  • -41% anxiety (HAM-A)

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 stressed but healthy adults tested Shoden® at 240 mg once daily for 60 days. Anxiety (HAM-A) fell 41% versus 24% on placebo, a significant difference (P=.040), and morning cortisol (P<.001) and DHEA-S (P=.004) fell more than with placebo; the DASS-21 change was near-significant (P=.096).

  View study: Lopresti et al. (2019), opens in a new tab

  Medicine (Baltimore) 2019;98(37):e17186

• Deshpande et al. (2020)

  Shoden® · Exact extract (sleep)

  Self-reported sleep quality improved 72% versus 29% on placebo (p<0.001), and actigraphy showed better sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep latency and wake after sleep onset.

  • RCT, double-blind
  • n=150
  • 120 mg/day
  • 6 weeks

  Full summary

  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 150 healthy adults with non-restorative sleep tested Shoden® at 120 mg once daily for 6 weeks (144 completed). Self-reported sleep quality improved 72% versus 29% on placebo (p<0.001), and actigraphy showed better sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep latency and wake after sleep onset. Quality-of-life scores also improved, and no treatment-related adverse events were reported.

  View study: Deshpande et al. (2020), opens in a new tab

  Sleep Med 2020;72:28-36